Page:White Paper on Indian States (1950).pdf/216



AGREEMENT MADE THIS 5th day of September 1949 between the Governor General of India and His Highness the Maharaja of Benares.

WHEREAS in the immediate interests of the State and its people, His Highness the Maharaja of Benares is desirous that the administration of the State should be integrated as early as possible with that of the United Provinces in such manner as the Government of the Dominion of India may think fit;

It is hereby agreed as follows:—

The Maharaja of Benares hereby cedes to the Dominion Government full and exclusive authority, jurisdiction and powers for and in relation to the governance of the State and agrees to transfer the administration of the State to the Dominion Government on the 15th day of October 1949, (hereinafter referred to as "the said day").

As from the said day, the Dominion Government will be competent to exercise the said powers, authority and jurisdiction in such manner and through such agency as it may think fit.

The Maharaja, his heirs and successors shall with effect from the said day be entitled to receive from the revenues of the State annually for his privy purge the sum of Rupees 2,80,000 free of taxes. This amount is intended to cover all the expenses of the Ruler and his family, including expenses on account of his personal staff, maintenance of his residences, marriages and other ceremonies, etc., and will neither be increased nor reduced for any reason whatsoever.

The said sum may be drawn by the Maharaja in four equal instalments in advance at the beginning of each quarter by presenting bills at the State Treasury or at such other Treasury as may be specified by the Dominion Government.

The Maharaja shall be entitled to the full ownership, use and enjoyment of all private properties (as distinct from State properties) belonging to him on the date of this agreement.